First ‘Made-in-India’ Chip to Be Launched by September–October: Ashwini Vaishnaw

India is set to achieve a historic milestone in its technology and manufacturing sector, with the first ‘Made-in-India’ semiconductor chip expected to be rolled out by September or October this year. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, confirmed the development while addressing the media in Bengaluru. The announcement reflects steady progress under the government’s semiconductor push aimed at reducing import dependence and strengthening India’s position in the global electronics supply chain.

Highlighting the government’s focus on advanced semiconductor research, Vaishnaw stated that a grant of ₹334 crore has been approved for the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to support new research and development in gallium nitride (GaN) technology. GaN-based semiconductors are increasingly critical for applications in telecom infrastructure, power electronics, electric vehicles, and high-efficiency energy systems. The minister also indicated that a new production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for electronic components is expected to be announced soon to further strengthen domestic manufacturing.

A key pillar of India’s semiconductor manufacturing ambitions is the semiconductor fabrication facility being developed by Tata Electronics in partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan. This flagship project is coming up in Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) in Gujarat and represents India’s first large-scale commercial semiconductor fab. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in enabling domestic chip production and building a robust semiconductor ecosystem.

According to information available on the IISc website, gallium nitride technology presents a significant opportunity for India to establish a presence in niche and high-value segments of the semiconductor industry. An interdisciplinary team of faculty members at IISc has already developed India’s first-ever e-mode gallium nitride power transistor, with performance levels comparable to some of the best global benchmarks. Such advancements are expected to complement large-scale manufacturing initiatives and accelerate innovation-led growth.

The announcement also aligns with earlier statements made by the minister, who had indicated that the first domestically produced chip would be launched this year. While the rollout was earlier expected in December 2024, the revised timeline underscores the complexity of semiconductor manufacturing while reaffirming the government’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in this strategically critical sector.

India’s semiconductor push is anchored by the Semicon India Programme, approved in December 2021, with a total outlay of ₹76,000 crore. The programme aims to provide comprehensive financial support for companies investing in semiconductor and display manufacturing, as well as chip design and allied ecosystems. To drive this initiative, the government has established the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) as an independent division under the Digital India Corporation, with administrative and financial autonomy to execute long-term strategies.

With sustained policy support, major global partnerships, and large-scale projects such as the Dholera semiconductor fab, India’s semiconductor market is projected to grow rapidly. According to industry estimates, the domestic semiconductor market is expected to reach $63 billion by 2026. The launch of the first ‘Made-in-India’ chip will mark a significant step toward achieving technological self-sufficiency and positioning India as a key player in the global semiconductor landscape.